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Diego grocery proprietor shot dead in robbery

Investigators at the scene where supermarket proprietor Franklin Wong was shot during a robbery in Diego Martin yesterday. Wong died at hospital.

Franklin Wong, 39, proprietor of Wong’s Supermarket died hours after he was shot during a robbery at his family business in Diego Martin yesterday.

The mid-morning drama unfolded shortly after 10 o’clock when two gunmen walked into the supermarket located at corner St Lucien’s Road and Majuba Cross Roads

Police said one of the gunmen attacked one of Wong’s sisters who was in the supermarket when they walked in and as Wong attempted to wrestle her away from the gunman, he (Wong) was shot in the chest.

The other man, police said, grabbed the cash register and ran out, however, he dropped it a short distance away and escaped in a waiting vehicle.

Wong’s sister ran out on the road for help and was assisted in conveying her wounded brother to the St James Medical Complex. However, Wong died while undergoing treatment.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, one of Wong’s acquaintances said they went to school at Trinity College in Moka and described him as a “very cool” individual.

A neighbour, who wished not to be identified, said that she knew the Wong’s very well and recalled that they were “always a target to the bandits in the area,” “but they always remained hardworking and loyal to us. They never once packed up and left. Frankie (referring to Wong, as he was fondly called) was so friendly, always willing to help and if you had short money he always said don’t worry about it.”

Several years ago, Wong’s father, Francis, was shot and wounded during a robbery. He died a few years later leaving the family’s business to his wife, Moi; their two daughters and Wong.

Up to late yesterday, investigating officers were said to be reviewing surveillance footage captured during the robbery.

This latest incident followed two other unrelated shooting incidents that occurred over the weekend where two men were killed and four injured.

Yesterday, at about 8.30 am along Good Session Drive, Patna Village, two men were seated in a parked vehicle when a white Tiida pulled up alongside them. The occupants in the Tiida, police said, after a brief conversation, opened fire on the men. Andy Bailey, 36, was killed, while the other man, Kerron “Not Nice” Paul was wounded. He is said to be in a serious condition at hospital.

On Sunday, at 7.20 pm a group of men was liming at Quarry Street, Diego Martin, when they were approached by gunmen, who opened fire on them. Shaquille Nicholls, 19, was killed on the scene, while three others were wounded.

The wounded were identified as Shaquille Farrell, 21, Shannelle Goodridge and Christian Gittens, 21. Farrell, police said is the son of a police sergeant. He was shot in the left thigh. Police recovered a loaded 9mm pistol on the scene.

A relative connected to one of the killings blamed police officers for what is happening to their “little black boys,” The relative, who was at the Forensic Science Centre, wished to remain anonymous.

“The police don’t care what happening to we children that is why they getting shoot and kill every day. If the police do what they have to do it wouldn’t have none of this,” the relative shouted as she walked away in disgust.

However, a senior police officer at the Western Division took offence and said that people have to report their children to the police for being involved in crime and criminal activities, “They know their children dealing with drugs, have guns and killing and robbing people yet they remain quiet and hiding for them but when it hit home and their children get killed they blaming the police…No, it doesn’t work so…people have to be responsible and report the wrong,” the senior officer said.